Annual Agrifest South West returns to Exeter

With 76 primestock exhibitors, 151 cattle, 117 sheep, 37 entries in the steak, sausage, and burger competition, and 32 trade stands, Agrifest South West 2024 once again proved itself as the largest primestock show in the South West of England.

Held as a one-day event at Westpoint, Exeter on Wednesday, November 6, Agrifest celebrated a day with record-breaking entries, showcasing the very best of cattle and sheep in the region.

“This year’s event showcased the crème de la crème of primestock for both cattle and sheep,” said Agrifest Chair Deborah Custance Baker.

“We’ve already received fantastic feedback from our expert judges who were greatly impressed with the standard of entries this year.”

Among the day’s highlights, several outstanding entries took home prestigious titles.

P&L Calcraft’s Limousin x heifer "Toffee" clinched the Baby Beef Championship, while Mr. & Mrs. Alford’s Charolais, "Foxhillfarm Victorious," won the Supreme Pedigree Calf Championship. 

The Alfords also claimed Reserve Champion with their Aberdeen Angus, "Foxhill Princess Caroline."

In the Young Bull of the Year Championship, Arradfoot & Newland Pedigree Livestock’s British Limousin, "Arradfoot Ultimate," emerged victorious. 

Robert Garth and Sarah Priestly retained their Supreme Champion title with a Texel pair of lambs that also won the Champion Pure Bred Continental Pair and Overall Champion Pure Bred Pair of Lambs categories. 

The Supreme Champion Primestock Championship went to Mr. and Mrs. Alford for their entry, "The Mistress."

Agrifest was pleased to welcome John Acres from BBC Radio Devon’s breakfast show as the judge for the annual steak, burger, sausage, and ready-to-eat competition. 

John awarded the top prize to Helen May at Exe Valley Farmshop for her Black & Blue Burger – a beef burger infused with blue cheese and rimmed with black pepper. 

Reflecting on the winning burger, John commented: "Though I’m not normally a big fan of blue cheese, it gives this burger a delicious richness and sweetness that singled it out from the crowd.”

The event radiated excitement, with a lively atmosphere throughout the day. 

Deborah noted the significance of the event for the farming community, saying: "There was a real buzz in the air, and a great atmosphere prevailed, despite the well-publicised struggles facing our farming community. A 10-year-old handler winning the young farmers class with her own cow is testament to the fact that the next generation is already committed to continuing the hard work of generations of South West farmers, producing the exceptional, high-quality food we all need and love.”

Agrifest South West continues to thrive as a vital celebration of the South West’s farming excellence, bringing together farmers, livestock, and food enthusiasts for an event that champions the region’s agricultural heritage and the dedication of its next generation.